Learn English – The number of apples, the number of oranges, the numbers of apples and oranges

plural-formssingular-vs-plural

When we count objects, we can say

  • The number of apples is two.

  • The number of oranges is three.

I am wondering how to combine these two sentences.

Can I say that:

The number(s) of apples and oranges is five.

I want to know if I need "s" in numbers (because I am talking two different numbers).

Or can I say:

The number(s) of apples and oranges are different.

The number(s) of apples and oranges are two and three.

Best Answer

The expression "the number of" emphasizes a precise quantity. It is used when the exact number is important, not just the fact that there are many (it would be a number of then) and it takes a plural noun followed by a singular verb. So it would be:

The number of apples and oranges is five.

The number of apples and oranges is two and three (respectively).

This agrees with the basic rule of Subject-Verb Agreement:

A singular subject (here - the number) takes a singular verb (here - is).

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